House Speaker Mike Johnson isn’t eyeing the White House — but conservatives are paying close attention anyway.
Despite his rapid rise to power and growing influence in the Republican Party, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) made it clear this week: he has no plans to run for president.
Speaking with New York Post columnist Miranda Devine on her podcast Pod Force One, Johnson said the thought of being commander in chief hasn’t even crossed his mind.
“I don’t think about that,” Johnson said plainly. “Honestly, it’s a no — at least for now.”
Too Busy Fighting for America
Johnson, a constitutional conservative and devout Christian, explained that being Speaker is already a massive responsibility — one few fully understand.
“There’s probably a reason only one Speaker, James K. Polk, ever became president,” Johnson said. “This job is all-consuming. I didn’t even seek this role — I’m just trying to be faithful in it.”
Polk, a Democrat from the 1800s, went on to become the 11th president of the United States. But for Johnson, service, not ambition, remains his guiding principle.
Trump’s Energy Is “Unmatched”
During the interview, Johnson didn’t hold back in praising President Donald Trump, calling him the most “dialed-in” leader he’s ever seen.
“President Trump is engaged in a way no modern commander in chief has been. There’s no precedent for it,” Johnson said. “He’s unique — and exactly what the country needs right now.”
Johnson credited Trump’s America First agenda for reshaping the GOP and producing real results for everyday Americans.
The Big, Bold, and Beautiful GOP Bill
The Speaker also shared a lighthearted moment with Trump following the historic passage of the GOP’s sweeping legislative package — now famously dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
“He passed around a printout that read ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ in bold font and asked, ‘Can we put an exclamation point?’” Johnson laughed. “I had to tell him, ‘Sir, no — not in legislation.’”
It was a humorous moment that highlighted Trump’s enthusiasm for pushing conservative victories through Congress.
After Trump, What’s Next for the GOP?
Johnson emphasized that Trump’s movement is bigger than one man — and it’s here to stay.
“President Trump has recalibrated the Republican Party,” he said. “We’ve brought in millions of working-class voters — folks we haven’t seen since Ronald Reagan.”
He continued, “We’re now the party of the American worker, of faith, of family, of freedom — the core principles that made this nation great.”
Johnson, who is second in line to the presidency behind the vice president, said he’s committed to preserving conservative values and advancing the MAGA agenda through Congress.
Looking Ahead to 2028
While Johnson may not be eyeing a presidential run, Trump has named Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential heirs to carry the MAGA mantle in 2028.
The Republican bench is strong — and Johnson believes the future is bright for the movement.
“This isn’t about one election. It’s about restoring America. And we’re just getting started.”